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About Residential
Oil Tanks
A home
inspector can review the following items,
if the tank is visible and accessible:
• Tank
exterior - should be
inspected for leaking seams,
excessive rust, and patching. 
• Oil
fill and vent piping - the
piping should be leak-free and
tight, and it should drain
freely into the tank. There may also
be a whistle installed that signals the delivery person when the
tank is full.
• Tank
plugs and piping - should
be tightly in place.
• Tank
ventilation - the tank
should be properly vented (1.5" to 2" diameter piping)
to the outside. During fill,
fuel is delivered at a rate of 60 gallons per minute. Improper
venting will cause stress on the
seams and piping.
• Vent
caps - should be in place,
and capped with a screened, weather-resistant cap to prevent
water entry and clogging.
• Vent
location - is the vent
next to the filler? When the vent is properly located, the delivery
person can listen to the vent
alarm and determine when the tank is full. The alarm prevents
overfilling and is recommended
for all types of tanks. The alarm is usually mounted at the top of
the tank at the vent pipe opening.
• Fill
gauge - should be
installed and tight. Loose gauges can cause spills during tank
operations.
• Tank
support - are the support
legs firmly on the ground? Is there other support in place?
A support system may be required by local ordinance.
• Abandoned/Removed
tanks - have all fill
pipes on abandoned tanks been completely removed
from the building to prevent delivery mistakes or spills? All old
tanks should be clearly marked
"Abandoned; Do Not Fill." The
homeowner should also keep record of the tank history. Tanks
should be kept relatively full
in the spring and fall, as the extra weight helps prevent shifting
and the related piping leaks.
This will also reduce water in the fuel, preventing a loss of heat
from condensation.
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continued
from front page...
Older
Homes (11 to 20 years)
During this period, rotted wood, sealants, roofing
shingles, and cosmetic surfaces may
need to be repaired or replaced. Original
appliances may also be nearing the
end of their serviceable life span.
Very Old Homes (20 to 40 years)
The inspector should be looking carefully at
the foundation when a home reaches this
age. Movement is also possible in the floors,
walls, and ceilings. Major systems and
components, such as HVAC and roofing,
may need to be replaced. Attention should
also be paid to the electrical and plumbing
fixtures, which will be showing their
age.
Historic and Architecturally
Significant Homes
Historic homes may contain significant structural
problems. The construction techniques
used in these dwellings may be
outdated as well. Fireplaces may no longer
be safely operational, while mortar may
be failing. Common problems with older
homes include settling, binding doors,
inadequate electrical and heating components,
inadequate insulation and inoperable
windows. A home inspector may
find the need for extensive and expensive
repair, upgrades, and restoration.
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